With respect to the cultivation of Tea, the withering process is used to __?

• A. To stop the tea leaf oxidation at a desired level
• B. To stop browning of tea
• C. To remove excess water from leaves and allows slight oxidation
• D. To alter the flavour of the tea

Answer: (C)

Withering is used to remove excess water from the leaves and allows a very slight amount of oxidation. The process is also important in promoting the breakdown of leaf proteins into free amino acids and increase the availability of freed caffeine, both which change the taste of the tea.